The Canada Pacific Holiday train is one of the most unique ways to celebrate the holiday season. For many, Christmas doesn’t really start until this lighted train makes it through town. It’s a gorgeous Christmas tradition that comes through Wisconsin today and tomorrow and you won’t want to miss it!
The 20th annual Canadian Pacific Holiday Train, also known as "North America’s longest rolling food bank," will be visiting 13 Wisconsin communities this December 2018.
This train is so awesome because it's a combination of holiday light shows and free live music, and are people who come to view it are encouraged to bring along a donation of food to benefit local food pantries in their community.
The train is scheduled to roll into Wauwatosa tonight, December 7, at 4:15 p.m. From there it heads to Hartland at 5:15 p.m., Oconomowoc at 6:55 p.m., Watertown at 7:55 p.m. and Columbus at 9:05 p.m. On Saturday, it starts in Portage at 1:15 p.m., Wisconsin Dells at 2:45 p.m., Mauston at 4:15 p.m., Tomah at 5:30 p.m., Sparta at 6:40 p.m., and La Crosse at 8:45 p.m.
One of the coolest parts of the train is when one of the cars opens up into a stage and live music fills the air. This year, people get to be entertained by The Trews as well as Wisconsin local Willy Porter.
There are two Canada Pacific Trains that go from east coast to west coast - one heads through the US and ends up in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and the other goes all the way through Canada to Port Coquitlam in British Columbia.
Since 1999, the Holiday Train has raised more than CAD $14.5 million and 4.3 million pounds of food for North American food banks. Every community the train stops in receives donations of food and money, which is an awesome addition to this Christmas tradition.
Even in the sunlight, this train is absolutely gorgeous and it's a wonderful way for families to support the community and take part in the season of giving while also sharing in a bit of holiday lighted magic.
You're going to want to make this train a regular part of your own holiday traditions. It's a fabulous way to celebrate the season, give back and enjoy the magic of the season.
The train does work to keep a tight scheduled, but everything is approximate and you should arrive early. You can also keep track of the progress using Twitter and Facebook. You can also learn more about the train on the Canada Pacific website.
